Electrical power restoration system and method

ABSTRACT

An electrical power restoration system for a circuit assembly having a circuit breaker, an electrical load and a circuit conditioner (e.g., a UPS) includes a circuit controller that is positioned along the circuit assembly between the circuit breaker and the electrical load. The circuit controller is electrically connected to the circuit conditioner, and controls activation and/or deactivation of the circuit conditioner. The circuit conditioner is positioned along the circuit assembly between the circuit controller and the electrical load and provides alternative AC power to the electrical load as determined by the circuit controller. The electrical power restoration assembly includes a first hot conductor and a second hot conductor. The first hot conductor conducts AC power from the circuit breaker to the circuit controller. The second hot conductor conducts AC power or alternative AC power from the circuit controller to the electrical load as determined by the circuit controller.

BACKGROUND

Today's residential alternating current (AC) power requirements arerelatively complex. All too often, the supply of power does not keep upwith the demand for the power. This disparity can result in brown-outs,black-outs, or more locally, partial power outages within areas of asingle home. A standard uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can providelimited assistance by at least supplying direct current (DC) powerthrough an inverter to produce an alternative AC power source for afinite period of time to protect critical electrical loads such ascomputers and other telecommunication equipment during an AC poweroutage. Unfortunately, while these important devices can remain running,other key electrical loads are often ignored by the operation of theUPS, such as interior lighting, electrical outlets, as well astelevisions and other relatively low load electrical devices.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed toward an electrical power restorationsystem for a circuit assembly. The circuit assembly includes a circuitbreaker, an electrical load and a circuit conditioner. The circuitconditioner is configured to condition electrical current flowingthrough the circuit assembly. In certain embodiments, the electricalpower restoration system includes a circuit controller that ispositioned along the circuit assembly between the circuit breaker andthe electrical load. In various embodiments, the circuit controller iselectrically connected to the circuit conditioner. The circuitcontroller can selectively control activation and/or deactivation of thecircuit conditioner.

In certain embodiments, the circuit conditioner is positioned along thecircuit assembly between the circuit controller and the electrical load.

In some embodiments, the circuit conditioner includes an uninterruptiblepower supply that selectively provides an alternative AC power to theelectrical load.

In various embodiments, the electrical power restoration assembly canalso include a first hot conductor and a second hot conductor. The firsthot conductor selectively conducts AC power from the circuit breaker tothe circuit controller. In one embodiment, the second hot conductorconducts AC power from the circuit controller to the electrical loadonly when the first hot conductor conducts AC power from the circuitbreaker to the circuit controller. In another embodiment, the second hotconductor conducts alternative AC power from the circuit controller tothe electrical load only when the first hot conductor does not conductAC power from the circuit breaker to the circuit controller.

In certain embodiments, the alternative AC power is provided by thecircuit conditioner.

In certain embodiments, the circuit controller selectively powers thecircuit conditioner via the first hot conductor.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first hot conductor and aportion of the second hot conductor are each included as part of one atleast partially sheathed, insulated electrical cable.

In various embodiments, the first hot conductor and the second hotconductor are electrically isolated from one another.

In certain applications, the circuit controller includes a centralprocessing unit having a memory storage that stores usage data of atleast a portion of the electrical power restoration system.

In some embodiments, the electrical power restoration assembly can alsoinclude a low-voltage component. Further, the circuit controller caninclude a transformer for transforming 120V AC power to approximately 5VDC power to power the low-voltage component.

In various embodiments, the circuit controller includes a current usagemonitor that monitors a current passing along one of the first hotconductor and the second hot conductor.

The present invention is also directed toward a method for restoringelectrical power to an electrical load. In some embodiments, the methodincludes the steps of positioning a circuit controller along a circuitassembly between a circuit breaker and the electrical load, electricallyconnecting the circuit controller to a circuit conditioner that isconfigured to selectively condition electrical current flowing throughthe circuit assembly, and controlling activation of the circuitconditioner with the circuit controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself,both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood fromthe accompanying drawing, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which similar reference characters refer to similarparts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a portion of a prior artelectrical assembly including a circuit assembly;

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic illustration of one embodiment of aportion of an electrical assembly including a circuit assembly with anelectrical power restoration system having features of the presentinvention, the electrical power restoration system including a circuitcontroller;

FIG. 3 is a detailed schematic illustration of one embodiment a portionof the circuit assembly including the electrical power restorationsystem having the circuit controller; and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing one embodiment of a method for restoringelectrical power to an electrical load in a circuit assembly.

DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention are described herein in the contextof an electrical power restoration system. Those of ordinary skill inthe art will realize that the following detailed description of themonitoring system is illustrative only and is not intended to be in anyway limiting. Other embodiments of the monitoring system will readilysuggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of thisdisclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations ofthe electrical power restoration system as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. The same or similar reference indicators will beused throughout the drawings and the following detailed description torefer to the same or like parts.

In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of theimplementations described herein are shown and described. It will, ofcourse, be appreciated that in the development of any such actualimplementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be madein order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliancewith application-related and business-related constraints, and thatthese specific goals will vary from one implementation to another andfrom one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated thatsuch a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a portion of a prior artelectrical assembly 10P. The prior art electrical assembly 10P includesa conventional circuit assembly 12P. It is understood that although onlyone circuit assembly 12P is shown and described in detail herein forease of discussion, the prior art electrical assembly 10P can includeany suitable number of conventional circuit assemblies 12P. Theelectrical assembly 10P receives an electrical power feed (not shown)from an outside source (not shown), and distributes electrical currentfrom the electrical power feed within and/or around a building, anotherstructure or an area in a controlled manner. As illustrated in FIG. 1,the prior art electrical assembly 10P can also include an electricalpanel 14P having a plurality of circuit breakers 16P (only one circuitbreaker 16P is labeled in FIG. 1). For a circuit assembly 12P thatutilizes a typical 15A or 20A single pole circuit breaker 16P,electrical current is distributed directly to an electrical load 18Pwhich can include one or more of lighting, electrical outlets, garagedoors, televisions, and the like. As used herein, the term “directly” isintended to mean that the electrical current does not pass through otherstructures that may significantly alter the electrical current betweenthe electrical panel 14P and the electrical load 18P, or change acondition of the electrical current between the electrical panel 14P andthe electrical load 18P.

The prior art circuit assembly 12P includes a wiring assembly 22P thatprovides a direct conductive path for electrical current between theelectrical panel 14P and the electrical load 18P. The prior art wiringassembly 22P that utilizes a 15A or 20A single pole circuit breaker 16Pincludes a neutral conductor 24P, a hot conductor 26P and a groundconductor 28P. Each of these conductors 24P, 26P, 28P, extends directlybetween the electrical panel 14P and the electrical load 18P. Theneutral conductor 24P is connected to the electrical panel 14P at aneutral bus bar 30P. The hot conductor 26P is connected to theelectrical panel 14P at the circuit breaker 16P. The ground conductor28P is connected to the electrical panel 14P at a ground bus bar 32P.Although shown separately in FIG. 1, the three conductors 24P, 26P, 28P,are normally wrapped together in an insulated sheath (such as with 12-2or 14-2 Romex® cabling, for example) at least partially between theelectrical panel 14P and the electrical load 18P. As used throughoutthis disclosure, a “hot conductor” is any conductor (wire or otherwise)connected with an electrical system that has electric potential relativeto electrical ground or neutral, and a “neutral conductor” is a returnconductor in the circuit assembly.

Typically, current flows from the electrical panel 14P to the electricalload 18P via the hot conductor 26P, and returns via the neutralconductor 24P. In a grounded system, metal structures such as appliancesand metal boxes connect back to the ground bus bar 32P of the electricalpanel 14P. From there, the electrical assembly 10P can be grounded tothe earth via buried ground rods (not shown).

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic illustration of one embodiment of aportion of an electrical assembly 210 having features of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the electrical assembly 210 includes acircuit assembly 212. It is understood that although only one completecircuit assembly 212 is shown and described in detail herein for ease ofdiscussion, the electrical assembly 210 can include any suitable numberof circuit assemblies 212 which may or may not have one or more featuresor components of the circuit assembly 212 shown and described herein.The electrical assembly 210 receives an electrical power feed (notshown) from an outside source (not shown), and distributes AC power fromthe electrical power feed within and/or around a building, anotherstructure or an area in a controlled manner. The specific design of theelectrical assembly 210 can vary. In various embodiments, the electricalassembly 210 can also include an electrical panel 214 having a pluralityof circuit breakers 216 (only one circuit breaker 216 is labeled in FIG.2). The electrical panel 214 can be substantially similar to the priorart electrical panel 14P illustrated in FIG. 1.

The circuit assembly 212 alternately and selectively distributes ACpower or an alternative AC power to specific structures within and/oraround the building or other structure. As used herein, AC power comesfrom a power source that feeds the electrical panel 214. In contrast,alternative AC power comes from a different source (such as auninterruptible power supply (UPS), as one non-exclusive example), asprovided in greater detail below.

The specific design of the circuit assembly 212 can be varied dependingupon the requirements of the electrical assembly 210. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 2, the circuit assembly 212 can include one of thecircuit breakers 216, one or more electrical loads 218 (represented by arectangle), and an electrical power restoration system 220.

The circuit breaker 216 can be an electrical switch that protects therest of the circuit assembly 212 from damage caused by events such asovercurrent, overload or a short circuit. The circuit breaker 216interrupts the flow of current through the circuit assembly 212 upondetection of one of these events. The design of the circuit breaker 216can vary. In certain embodiments, the circuit breaker 216 for thecircuit assembly 212 can be a 15A or a 20A circuit breaker.Alternatively, the circuit breaker 216 for the circuit assembly 212 caninclude another suitable amperage circuit breaker.

The electrical loads 218 included in the circuit assembly 212 can besubstantially similar to the prior art electrical load 18P illustratedand described with respect to FIG. 1. For example, the electrical load218 can include various electrical fixtures such as lighting, electricaloutlets, garage door openers, televisions and other relatively low loadelectrical devices, as non-exclusive examples. As provided herein,electrical current is guided to the electrical load 218 within thecircuit assembly 212.

The electrical power restoration system 220 selectively conditions theflow of current from the electrical panel 214 to the electrical load 218within the circuit assembly 212. The specific design of the electricalpower restoration system 220 can vary depending upon the electricalrequirements of the circuit assembly 212 and/or the electrical assembly210. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the electrical powerrestoration system 220 can include one or more of a wiring assembly 222,a circuit conditioner 234 and a circuit controller 236.

The wiring assembly 222 provides an indirect conductive path forelectrical current between the circuit breaker 216 of the electricalpanel 214 and the electrical load 218. In other words, rather than thewiring assembly 222 directly and uninterruptedly connecting the circuitbreaker 216 to the electrical load 218, at least one other structure ispositioned between the circuit breaker 216 to the electrical load 218.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the wiring assembly 222 thatutilizes a 15A or 20A single pole circuit breaker 216 includes a firstneutral conductor 224F, a second neutral conductor 224S, a first hotconductor 226F, a second hot conductor 226S, a first ground conductor228F and a second ground conductor 228S. The first neutral conductor224F is connected to the electrical panel 214 at a neutral bus bar 230,and extends to the electrical load 218. The second neutral conductor224S in connected to the electrical panel 214 at the neutral bus bar230, and extends to the circuit controller 236. The first hot conductor226F is connected to the electrical panel 214 at the circuit breaker216, and extends to the circuit controller 236. The second hot conductor226S extends from the circuit controller 236 to the electrical load 218.The first ground conductor 228F is connected to the electrical panel 214at a ground bus bar 232, and extends to the electrical load 218. Thesecond ground conductor 228S is connected to the electrical panel 214 atthe ground bus bar 232, and extends to the circuit controller 236. Inother words, the electrical power restoration system 220 is positionedbetween one of the circuit breakers 216 of the electrical panel 214 andthe electrical load 218. With this design, each electrical powerrestoration system 220 can specifically impact, affect or otherwiseinfluence an entire electrical load 218 of one circuit assembly 212,without affecting any other circuit assemblies 212 in the electricalassembly 210.

The circuit conditioner 234 selectively conditions the circuit assembly212 between the circuit breaker 216 of the circuit assembly 212 and theparticular electrical load 218 that is serviced within the circuitassembly 212. The specific device used for the circuit conditioner 234can vary depending upon the design requirements of the circuit assembly212 and the electrical power restoration system 220. In one embodiment,the circuit conditioner 234 can include an uninterruptible power supply(UPS) that generates DC power that flows through an inverter to becomethe alternative AC power.

In non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the circuit conditioner 234can be a line (conductor) conditioner, a surge protector, a voltageregulator, a noise filter, or a pass-through. Still alternatively, thecircuit conditioner 234 can include any other suitable device thatconditions the circuit assembly 212 between one of the circuit breakers216 of the electrical panel 214 and the particular electrical load 218that is serviced within the circuit assembly 212. Although thedescription herein focuses specifically on a UPS as the circuitconditioner 234, it is understood that any suitable device can equallybe utilized in the electrical power restoration system 220 describedherein.

The circuit controller 236 selectively controls activation and/ordeactivation of the circuit conditioner 234 on the circuit assembly 212.In various embodiments, the circuit controller 236 can selectivelyactivate and/or deactivate the circuit conditioner 234 upon theoccurrence of certain events that are monitored by the circuitcontroller 236, as described in greater detail below. The design of thecircuit controller 236 can vary depending upon the specific requirementsof the circuit assembly 212 and/or the circuit assembly 210.

In certain embodiments, the circuit controller 236 can sense changes incurrent and/or voltage through the first hot conductor 226F, and cancontrol the status of the circuit conditioner 234. For example, ifchanges in the current and/or voltage are detected by the circuitcontroller 236, the circuit conditioner 234 can be activated ordeactivated, as needed. More specifically, in one embodiment, if thecurrent and/or voltage is determined by the circuit controller 236 tohave dropped below a predetermined threshold, the circuit controller 236can activate the circuit conditioner 234 so that the alternative ACpower from the UPS is sent to the electrical load 218 through thecircuit controller 236 via the second hot conductor 226S. Then, once thecurrent and/or voltage is determined by the circuit controller 236 tohave risen above a predetermined threshold, the circuit controller 236can deactivate the circuit conditioner 234 so that the alternative ACpower from the UPS discontinues, and AC power from the circuitcontroller 236 (via the electrical panel 214) is restored and sent tothe electrical load 218 via the second hot conductor 226S. Inembodiments in which the circuit conditioner 234 is a device other thana UPS, other corresponding effects to the circuit assembly 212 and/orthe electrical load 218 can occur accordingly, i.e. regulation ofvoltage, surge protection, etc.

In general terms, the circuit assembly 212 provided herein can take afirst hot conductor 226F from an output of the circuit breaker 216,monitor the current with the circuit controller 236, modify the currentas needed and/or provide the alternative AC energy source as an instantbackup (such as a DC battery backup which generates the alternative ACpower, in one embodiment), then send it back to the power the electricalload 218.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the circuit conditioner 234 canbe electrically connected to the circuit controller 236. In onenon-exclusive embodiment, the circuit controller 236 can include one ormore controller connectors. For example, in the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 2, the circuit controller 236 includes a first controllerconnector 238F and a second controller connector 238S. In thisembodiment, these controller connectors 238F, 238S can include varioustypes of electrical connectors, i.e. a female NEMA receptacle such as aNEMA 520R, as one non-exclusive example, and a recessed male plug suchas an IEC C20 Plug, as one non-exclusive example, as illustrated in FIG.2. Alternatively, any suitable electrical connector(s) can be used.Still alternatively, the circuit conditioner 234 can be hard-wired tothe circuit controller so that receptacles and/or plugs are notnecessary.

In this embodiment, the first controller connector 238F can be backwardscompatible with a standard household 15A plug (such as on a consumerUPS) so that a conditioner input 240 of the circuit conditioner 234 canbe plugged into the first controller connector 238F to receiveelectrical power from the first hot conductor 226F. In other words, thefirst controller connector 238F can provide power to the circuitconditioner 234 via the first hot conductor 226F. Further, the secondcontroller connector 238S can be connected to a conditioner output 242of the circuit conditioner 234 using an appropriate cable. In oneembodiment, the circuit controller 236 can have a form factor of, or fitwithin (or include) a 1-gang or 2-gang deep electrical box, e.g. astandard junction box. Alternatively, the circuit controller 236 canhave another suitable form factor.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the electrical powerrestoration system 220 can also include a connector assembly 244. Theconnector assembly 244 can receive one or more of the second neutralconductor 224S, the second ground conductor 228S, the first hotconductor 226F and/or the second hot conductor 226S. In one embodiment,the connector assembly 244 receives all four of these conductors 224S,226F, 226S, 228S, into a first end 246F of the connector assembly 244.In one such embodiment, the wiring assembly 222 extends from a secondend 246S of the connector assembly 244 and connects to the circuitcontroller 236. The connector assembly 244 can act as a compact spliceor push connector to extend the length of the conductors 224S, 226F,226S, 228S, so that these conductors can connect to the circuitcontroller 236. The positioning of the connector assembly 244 can bevaried. In one embodiment, the connector assembly 244 can be positionedwithin or near the electrical panel 214. Alternatively, the connectorassembly 244 can be positioned remotely from the electrical panel 214.

In one embodiment, a portion of the wiring assembly 222 that ispositioned between the connector assembly 244 and the circuit controller236 can include a sheathed, insulated section of Romex® cable, such as a12-3 or 14-3 cable, as non-exclusive examples. Alternatively, thisportion of the wiring assembly 222 need not be sheathed and/orinsulated.

FIG. 3 is a detailed schematic illustration of one embodiment of aportion of a circuit assembly 312, including a portion of an electricalpower restoration system 320. In this embodiment, the electrical powerrestoration system 320 includes a wiring assembly 322, a circuitconditioner 234 (illustrated in FIG. 2) and a circuit controller 336. Inthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a portion of the wiring assembly322 and the circuit conditioner 234 have been omitted in order to focuson various features of the circuit controller 336. It is recognized thatthe wiring assembly 322 (only partially illustrated in FIG. 3) can besubstantially similar to the wiring assembly 222 illustrated in FIG. 2.Further, the circuit conditioner 234, although not illustrated in FIG.3, is included in the electrical power restoration system 320.

In this embodiment, the circuit controller 336 can control and performvarious functions that pertain to monitoring certain aspects of thecircuit assembly 312. The specific components of the circuit controller336 can vary to suit the design requirements of the circuit assembly312. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the circuit controller 336includes a controller connector 348, a first current/voltage sensor 350,one or more relays 354, a transformer 356, a second current/voltagesensor 358, a central processing unit 360 (CPU), a capacitor 362, areplaceable battery 364, a memory storage 366, a temperature sensor 368,a USB port 370, and/or an indicator 372. It is understood that thecircuit controller 336 need not include all of the foregoing structures,as one or more of these structures can be omitted in certainembodiments. Further, it is understood that the circuit controller 336can include additional structures not described herein in someembodiments. Further, one or more printed circuit boards (not shown) canhouse and/or support one or more of the components of the circuitcontroller 336.

The controller connector 348 facilitates connection of the first hotconductor 326F, the second hot conductor 326S, the second neutralconductor 324S and the second ground conductor 328S to internal wiringand/or circuitry of the circuit controller 336, and to the firstcontroller connector 338F and the second controller connector 338S. Thecontroller connector 348 can act as a compact splice or push connectorto connect these conductors 324S, 326F, 326S, 328S, to the circuitcontroller 336. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the first hotconductor 326F is connected to a first hot connector 348A of thecontroller connector 348; the second neutral conductor 324S is connectedto the second neutral connector 348B; the second ground conductor 328Sis connected to the second ground connector 348C; and the second hotconductor 326S is connected to the second hot connector 348D.

Internal wiring within the circuit controller 336 permits theseconnections to result in certain functions of the circuit controller336. For example, during AC power usage, the first hot conductor 326Fpowers the circuit controller 336 and charges the circuit conditioner234 via the first controller connector 338F. Also during AC power usage,the first hot conductor 326F powers the electrical load 218 (illustratedin FIG. 2) via the second hot conductor 326S. During alternative ACpower usage, no current flows through the first hot conductor 326F tothe first controller connector 338F. However during alternative AC powerusage, the circuit conditioner 234 can provide the alternative AC powerto the electrical load 218 via the second hot conductor 326S since thecircuit conditioner 234 is plugged into the second controller connector338S.

The first current/voltage sensor 350 detects the current and/or voltageof the first hot conductor 326F. The first current/voltage sensor 350can report the current and/or voltage in real-time to the CPU 360 on aperiodic basis that can be determined by a user of the system. In oneembodiment, the first current/voltage sensor 350 can be a Hall Effectsensor. In certain embodiments, the first current/voltage sensor 350 canbe positioned at a fixed (known) distance from the first hot conductor326F in order to increase accuracy of the first current/voltage sensor350. Further, the first current/voltage sensor 350 can also trigger analert in real-time if the first hot conductor 326F input significantlydrops or drops to zero, indicating power has been lost, either by thecircuit breaker 216 (illustrated in FIG. 2) tripping or utility powershutting off, or some other power interruption to the circuit assembly312.

The relay 354 (such as a 120V AC solid state relay, for example) is anelectronic switching device that switches on or off when an externalvoltage is applied. The relay 354 can allow various modes of operationof the electrical power restoration system 320. The relay 354 caninclude a sensor which responds to an appropriate input (controlsignal), an electronic switching device which switches power to the loadcircuitry, and a coupling mechanism to enable the control signal toactivate this switch. In one embodiment, if sufficient AC power is beingreceived through the first hot conductor 326F, the relay 354 can causeAC power to flow directly through to the second hot conductor 326S,bypassing the circuit conditioner 234. This will allow high wattagedevices, such as a vacuum cleaner, to function normally. Optionally, thefirst current/voltage sensor 350 can trigger the relay 354, e.g. ifpower is greater than a predetermined wattage or the rating of the UPS,to cause AC power to flow directly through to the second hot conductor326S, bypassing the circuit conditioner 234, and return to UPS mode oncethe power sufficiently decreases. In this “Smart Mode”, the combinationof the first current/voltage sensor 350 and the relay 354 will allow thecircuit assembly 312 to work as normal, independent of the UPScapabilities. However, this combination can offer the maximum UPScapability in a power fail mode. The user can also activate an“Alternative AC Power Only Mode”, however, the UPS may enter an errormode if a high watt appliance is activated. Finally, the user canactivate an “AC Power Only Mode” which forces the system to stay on ACpower and only switch to the alternative AC power at the instant a powerfailure is detected.

In one embodiment, the transformer 356 can transform 120V AC toapproximately 5V DC (or any other suitable DC voltage which may be lessthan or greater than 5V), taking power from the second hot conductor326S and powering one or more low-voltage components within the circuitcontroller 336, such as the indicator 372 (as one non-exclusiveexample), or other low-voltage structures.

The second current/voltage sensor 358 monitors the current and/orvoltage passing along the second hot conductor 326S. In one embodiment,the second current/voltage sensor 358 can be a Hall Effect sensor. Incertain embodiments, the second current/voltage sensor 358 can bepositioned at a fixed (known) distance from the second hot conductor326S in order to increase accuracy of the first current/voltage sensor358. The second current/voltage sensor 358 can then report a real-timeload to the CPU 360 for data storage and/or indication of a malfunction(current and/or voltage is too low or too high).

The central processing unit 360 receives data from various structureswithin the circuit controller 336. Further, in one embodiment, the datafrom the CPU 360 can be accessed by a user remotely, such as on acomputing device (smart phone, tablet, desktop, laptop, etc.) via Wi-Fior other wireless technology known to those skilled in the art, or usinga wired system.

The CPU 360 can also include other components, such as a particle.io“Photon” (www.particle.io/prototype) for the development phase, and a“P0” or “P1” for the initial run, which can include one or more of:

-   -   a. STM32F205 ARM Cortex M3 Processor;    -   b. Programmable Broadcom BCM43362 Wi-Fi Chip;    -   c. Preloaded firmware libraries;    -   d. FCC/CE/IC certified; and/or    -   e. Complete “fleet management” with cloud based data collection        and firmware updates.

The capacitor 362 can inhibit the likelihood of a reboot of the CPU 360during the very brief time period between a power loss and the UPS 234turning on. Additionally, or in the alternative, the replaceable battery364 can be used for this purpose.

In one embodiment, the memory storage 366 can include Flash memory.Alternatively, any other suitable type of memory storage 366 can beused. The memory storage 366 can be sufficient enough to store at leastapproximately seven days of usage data internally (in the event of anInternet failure) at increments of approximately five minutes. Thisequates to approximately 288 data points per day, for a total ofapproximately 2000 data points over a seven day period. These datapoints can automatically synchronize with the internet cloud uponreconnection. This memory storage 366 can also have enough storage spacefor periodic, e.g. hourly usage data (24 data points a day) for theprevious six months, or approximately 4000 entries. A total of 6000 datapoints can be stored internally by the memory storage 366 of the circuitcontroller 336. This stored data can be sent via Wi-Fi (or othersuitable manners) to the cloud and/or any other internet-connecteddevice.

The temperature sensor 368 can also be used for safety to monitor thecircuit controller 336 and its components. In the event the temperatureof the circuit controller 336, or any component of the circuitcontroller 336 is beyond a predetermined threshold temperature, a signalcan be transmitted to the CPU 360. The CPU can then alter the managementof the AC power or alternative AC power being used accordingly.

The USB port 370 can be used to upload data from the CPU 360 or thememory storage 366 to a computing device (not shown). Additionally, orin the alternative, the USB port 370 can be used to access the circuitcontroller 336 in order to change settings or force a certain mode, i.e.AC Power Only Mode, Smart Mode, Alternative AC Power Only Mode, etc.

The indicator 372 can include one or more lights 374 (three lights 374are illustrated in the indicator 372) visually alert the user regardingoperation of the circuit assembly 312. The lights 374 can be LED lights,or any other suitable type of light. For example, a red LED can indicatethat power is out. A green LED can indicate that the circuit controller336 is ready and is connected to Wi-Fi. A brighter green pulsing LED canindicate that Wi-Fi data has been sent. A blue LED can indicate thatfirmware of the circuit controller 336 is updating. A yellow flash canindicate a voltage spike. In other words, various colors or flashingcould provide a visual indicator of errors or data. It is appreciatedthat these are just representative of numerous possibilities and colorcombinations, and the foregoing examples are not intended to be limitingin any manner. The circuit controller 336 can also include audiblealerts (not shown) as needed.

In certain embodiments, the user of the electrical power restorationsystem 320 can input information into the circuit controller 336 inorder to alter operation of the electrical circuit 312. For example, ifthe user wants the electrical load 218 to be powered by alternative ACpower, the user can send this command to the circuit controller 336wirelessly or via the USB port 370. In addition, or in the alternative,the user can specify that the electrical load 218 is to be powered by ACpower if the electrical circuit 312 requires above a certain wattage(e.g. 1000 watts), and alternative AC power if the electrical circuit312 requires below a certain wattage (e.g. 1000 watts). It is understoodthat there are numerous ways for the user to customize the electricalpower restoration system 320, and the foregoing examples are provided asnon-exclusive examples of the versatility of the electrical powerrestoration system 320.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart that provides various steps of one embodiment ofa method for restoring electrical power to an electrical load. It isunderstood that the method described in FIG. 4 is representative of oneembodiment of the method, and that alternative embodiments may omit oneor more of the described steps. Further, in certain embodiments, othersteps can be added that are not described in FIG. 4.

At step 480, a circuit controller is positioned along a circuit assemblybetween one circuit breaker and the electrical load.

At step 482, the circuit controller is electrically connected to acircuit conditioner that is configured to selectively conditionelectrical current flowing through the circuit assembly.

At step 484, the circuit conditioner is positioned along the circuitassembly between the circuit controller and the electrical load.

At step 486, the circuit controller controls activation and/ordeactivation of the circuit conditioner in order to power the electricalload with either alternative AC power (when the circuit conditioner isactivated) or AC power (when the circuit conditioner is deactivated).

At step 488, AC power from the circuit breaker is selectively conductedto the circuit controller with a first hot conductor.

At step 490, the circuit controller determines whether or not thecurrent and/or voltage through the first hot conductor is at or above apredetermined threshold level. This predetermined threshold level can beat a default setting embedded in firmware or software of the centralprocessing unit, or the threshold level can be modified and/or set bythe user as needed.

At step 492, if the current and/or voltage through the first hotconductor is at or above the predetermined threshold level, AC powerfrom the circuit controller is conducted to the electrical load with asecond hot conductor. In other words, as long as the circuit controllerdetermines that at least the predetermined threshold level of currentand/or voltage is detected through the first hot conductor, AC powerwill flow from the circuit controller to the electrical load via thesecond hot conductor.

At step 494, if the current and/or voltage through the first hotconductor is below the predetermined threshold level, alternative ACpower from the circuit conditioner is conducted to the circuitcontroller, and then alternative AC power from the circuit controller isconducted to the electrical load with the second hot conductor. In otherwords, if the circuit controller detects that a level of current and/orvoltage through the first hot conductor is below the predeterminedthreshold level of current and/or voltage, the circuit controller willactivate the circuit conditioner, and alternative AC power will be usedto power the electrical load. With this design, steps 490 and 492 arealternate steps such that only step 492 or step 494 can occur at onetime. Stated another way, steps 492 and 494 cannot occur simultaneously.

At step 496, electrical power usage data is stored in a memory storageof a central processing unit of the circuit controller. Alternatively,the central processing unit can be located remotely from the circuitcontroller.

With the designs provided herein, in the event of a brown out, blackout, or other types of limited or widespread power outages, the UPS canbasically seamlessly power the electrical load on the specific circuitassembly to which it is connected, with an interruption time on theorder of milliseconds or less. It is recognized that although theelectrical power restoration system 220, 320, illustrated and describedherein is particularly suited toward residential housing, it canlikewise and similarly be adapted for commercial buildings, multi-familystructures and other dwellings.

It is understood that although a number of different embodiments of theelectrical power restoration system 220, 320, have been illustrated anddescribed herein, one or more features of any one embodiment can becombined with one or more features of one or more of the otherembodiments, provided that such combination satisfies the intent of thepresent invention.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments of the electricalpower restoration system 220, 320, have been shown and disclosed hereinabove, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications,permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is thereforeintended that the system and method shall be interpreted to include allsuch modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as arewithin their true spirit and scope, and no limitations are intended tothe details of construction or design herein shown.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrical power restoration system for acircuit assembly having a circuit breaker, an electrical load and acircuit conditioner, the circuit conditioner being configured tocondition electrical current flowing through the circuit assembly, theelectrical power restoration system comprising: a circuit controllerthat is positioned along the circuit assembly between the circuitbreaker and the electrical load, the circuit controller beingelectrically connected to the circuit conditioner, the circuitcontroller selectively controlling activation of the circuitconditioner.
 2. The electrical power restoration system of claim 1,wherein the circuit conditioner is positioned along the circuit assemblybetween the circuit controller and the electrical load.
 3. Theelectrical power restoration system of claim 1, wherein the circuitconditioner includes an uninterruptible power supply that selectivelyprovides alternative AC power to the electrical load.
 4. The electricalpower restoration system of claim 1 further comprising a first hotconductor that selectively conducts AC power from the circuit breaker tothe circuit controller, and a second hot conductor that conducts ACpower from the circuit controller to the electrical load only when thefirst hot conductor conducts AC power from the circuit breaker to thecircuit controller.
 5. The electrical power restoration system of claim4 wherein the circuit controller selectively powers the circuitconditioner via the first hot conductor.
 6. The electrical powerrestoration system of claim 4 wherein at least a portion of the firsthot conductor and a portion of the second hot conductor are eachincluded as part of one at least partially sheathed, insulatedelectrical cable.
 7. The electrical power restoration system of claim 4wherein the first hot conductor and the second hot conductor areelectrically isolated from one another.
 8. The electrical powerrestoration system of claim 1 further comprising a first hot conductorthat selectively conducts AC power from the circuit breaker to thecircuit controller, and a second hot conductor that conducts alternativeAC power from the circuit controller to the electrical load only whenthe first hot conductor does not conduct AC power from the circuitbreaker to the circuit controller.
 9. The electrical power restorationsystem of claim 8 wherein the alternative AC power is provided by thecircuit conditioner.
 10. The electrical power restoration system ofclaim 1, wherein the circuit controller includes a central processingunit having a memory storage that stores usage data of at least aportion of the electrical power restoration system.
 11. The electricalpower restoration system of claim 1 further comprising a low-voltagecomponent, wherein the circuit controller includes a transformer fortransforming 120V AC power to approximately 5V DC power, the transformerpowering the low-voltage component.
 12. The electrical power restorationsystem of claim 1, wherein the circuit controller includes a currentusage monitor that monitors a current passing along one of the first hotconductor and the second hot conductor.
 13. The electrical powerrestoration system of claim 1, wherein the circuit controllerselectively controls deactivation of the circuit conditioner.
 14. Amethod for restoring electrical power to an electrical load, the methodcomprising the steps of: positioning a circuit controller along acircuit assembly between a circuit breaker and the electrical load;electrically connecting the circuit controller to a circuit conditionerthat is configured to selectively condition electrical current flowingthrough the circuit assembly; and controlling activation of the circuitconditioner with the circuit controller.
 15. The method of claim 14wherein the step of electrically connecting includes positioning thecircuit conditioner along the circuit assembly between the circuitcontroller and the electrical load.
 16. The method of claim 14 whereinthe circuit conditioner includes an uninterruptible power supply thatselectively provides alternative AC power to the electrical load. 17.The method of claim 14 further comprising the steps of: selectivelyconducting AC power from the circuit breaker to the circuit controllerwith a first hot conductor; and conducting AC power from the circuitcontroller to the electrical load with a second hot conductor only whenthe first hot conductor conducts AC power from the circuit breaker tothe circuit controller.
 18. The method of claim 14 further comprisingthe steps of: selectively conducting AC power from the circuit breakerto the circuit controller with a first hot conductor; and conductingalternative AC power from the circuit controller to the electrical loadwith a second hot conductor only when the first hot conductor does notconduct AC power from the circuit breaker to the circuit controller. 19.The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of storing electricalpower usage data in a memory storage of a central processing unit of thecircuit controller.
 20. An electrical power restoration system for acircuit assembly having a circuit breaker and an electrical load, theelectrical power restoration system comprising: a circuit conditionerthat conditions electrical current flowing through the circuit assembly;a circuit controller that is positioned along the circuit assemblybetween the circuit breaker and the electrical load, the circuitcontroller selectively controlling activation of the circuitconditioner; a first hot conductor that selectively conducts AC powerfrom the circuit breaker to the circuit controller; and a second hotconductor that conducts AC power from the circuit controller to theelectrical load only when the first hot conductor conducts AC powerabove a predetermined threshold level from the circuit breaker to thecircuit controller.
 21. The electrical power restoration system of claim20, wherein the second hot conductor conducts alternative AC power fromthe circuit controller to the electrical load only when the first hotconductor does not conduct AC power above the predetermined thresholdlevel from the circuit breaker to the circuit controller.